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Nigeria and the European Union have deepened migration cooperation, including efforts to conclude the long-pending EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement and expand legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities in Europe.
The discussions took place on Monday in New York between Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters, according to a statement issued by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The readmission agreement, which was initiated in 2016 and discussed extensively during the 8th Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026, was a key focus of the meeting.
Brunner stressed the need to conclude the agreement, saying its finalisation would provide a foundation for wider Nigeria-EU cooperation on migration.
“Commissioner Brunner stressed the importance of concluding the Re-Admission Agreement, which was initiated in 2016 and extensively discussed during the 8th Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026.
“He noted that its finalisation would provide a basis for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration,” the statement said.
In response, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria wanted migration cooperation to include support for the reintegration of returnees, assistance for infrastructure development and broader legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
She also stressed the need for structured and lawful mobility opportunities, particularly for Nigeria’s large and youthful population, while ensuring that migration policies support the country’s development interests.
The EU delegation said these concerns had been incorporated into the proposed framework and outlined plans for a broader Migration and Security Cooperation Contract.
The proposed framework would include strategic dialogue on talent partnerships, mobility and legal pathways, reintegration of returnees, border management and support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.
It would also explore an arrangement for sharing information with Europol to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat transnational organised crime.
“The proposed framework would cover strategic dialogue on local talent partnerships, mobility and legal pathways, reintegration of returnees, border management and support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.
“The cooperation would also explore a working arrangement for the exchange of information with Europol to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat transnational organised crime,” the statement further said.
Brunner said the EU was interested in developing legal migration channels through talent partnerships, which he said could help address skills shortages in Europe while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals.
He also said such arrangements could help address concerns over brain drain.
The meeting also focused on stronger cooperation against irregular migration, with Brunner indicating that progress in this area could support greater opportunities for legal migration.
The EU commissioner expressed interest in continuing discussions during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026, with both sides expected to agree on a date.
The engagement reflects Nigeria’s efforts to develop a broader migration partnership with the EU covering irregular migration, return and reintegration, legal mobility and security cooperation.
